Make: Colt
Model: Third Model Deringer (Thuer)
Serial Number: 24350
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1
Caliber: .41 Short Rimfire
Action Type: Single Action, Single Shot Side Loading
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “-COLT-“. The bottom of the barrel is marked “24350”, found again marked on the left of the grip frame under the grip and hand-written on the inside of the right grip panel.
Barrel Length: 2 1/2”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded blade fixed to the front of the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth wood panels. The grips have light handling wear with some scattered small nicks and scratches. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue & Silver-Plated Brass
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dark gray. The rifling is worn, but visible. There is scattered light-moderate erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This derringer retains about 5% of its metal finish. There is some silver finish on the sides of the frame under the grips (concealed when the grips are installed). The exposed surfaces of the frame have worn, exposing the brass underneath which has gone to a mustard patina. The barrel has worn to white and shows minor erosion and discoloration from oxidation. There is brass on the top of the hammer spur which may indicate repair or replacement. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Good-Very Good condition as Antique (see Mechanics).
Mechanics: The ejector appears to stick out too far when the action is opened, needing to be depressed manually in order to clear the frame when closing the action. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. The hammer has a safety notch. The lockup has minor play. The trigger is crisp. We did not fire this derringer. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The most popular of the Colt derringers, the Third Model or “Thuer” was introduced in 1875 and remained in Colt catalogs until 1912 with some 45,000 produced. This is a nice example with some original finish remaining under the grips. The gun needs a little work on the ejector, but otherwise functions properly. This will make a neat Thuer to round out your Colt derringer collection. Layaway available upon request
